[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THAILAND DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, on September 19, 2006, the Thai military and 
police overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin 
Shinawatra. At the time, the popularly-elected premier was in New York 
City for a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
  General Boonyaratkalin, leader of the military coup, suspended the 
constitution and dissolved the Cabinet, both houses of Parliament, and 
the Constitutional Court.
  The Department of State immediately issued a statement saying, 
``There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in 
anyplace else . . . we certainly are extremely disappointed by this 
action. It's a step backward for democracy in Thailand.''
  Following the military coup, the United States suspended $24 million 
in bilateral assistance to the Thai government.
  Now eight months after the military coup, despite promises by the 
military leaders to the contrary, Thailand still has not drafted a 
permanent constitution, held a referendum, or called for elections.
  In addition, Thailand seized American patents in clear violation of 
international law.
  On December 30, 2003, the United States Government designated 
Thailand as a major non-NATO ally. This status gives Thailand a range 
of benefits, preferred American lending, participation in military 
exercises and preferential bidding on Department of Defense contracts.
  A military dictatorship that disposes an elected government and then 
seizes American intellectual property should not be considered a major 
non-NATO ally.
  Therefore, today I am introducing the Thailand Democracy Act of 2007 
to push Thailand's military government to hold democratic elections.
  Under this legislation, the President is required to terminate 
Thailand's status as a major non-NATO ally until he can certify to the 
Congress that democracy has been restored to the Thai people. I urge my 
colleagues to condemn the continued military rule of Thailand and 
support this important legislation.

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